I just read this small article from the massage magazine, in the research area (I won’t bother you with the data, official citations, and how they found reduction of cortisol levels on saliva, etc), but in summary, the study was originally published in Applied Psychotherapy and Biofeedback, this particular research was done in Switzerland. The study concludes that elderly people with dementia and agitation who received hand massage reduced their biological markers of stress.
I googled the topic, just because I’m always curious, and many other studies were published in the subject. I should know better since I volunteered at a Hospice in Bergen for over a decade, working with elderly and terminally ill patients. I have seen with my own eyes the difference in the patients’ physical appearance and mood, and how massage therapy can help to reduce pain and anxiety.
I am certain the same results can be accomplished in reducing anxiety in younger kids. It’s the power of touch. You don’t need to be a professional to give your elderly parent or your child a hand massage. I also don’t need to keep repeating that lavender is the best essential oil to have at home and add to the massage. Almost everybody knows about the calming effects (and natural anti-inflammatory properties) of lavender. The other oil that is very calming, and that I like to use, is Mandarin. For people who dislike lavender, Mandarin is a good alternative.
Essential oils are not necessary, but if you are adding to the hand massage, please make sure to dilute. For hands, you don’t need more than 5 mls of lotion or oil (carrier oil) to mix with the essential oil of your preference. The easy to remember rule of thumb is a maximum of 5 drops of essential oil for 5 mls of the lotion or carrier oil. The carrier oil can be coconut oil, almond oil, baby oil, olive oil, and any other fragrance-free oil or lotion.
Besides being a licensed massage therapist, I’m clinically certified in aromatherapist by R.J. Buckle. Jane Buckle developed the M technique, a gentle massage for the hands. I found a great video of someone applying the M technique. You can watch the video in 6 minutes and learn how to give a great hand massage to your elderly parent, young child, or anyone from your family that you care and could benefit of a hand massage for stress/anxiety reduction.
You can set up a session for yourself or someone you believe would benefit from a massage at my website: www.massagebybertone.com. My massage studio is in Ramsey, NJ, but I also travel to my patients in Bergen, Essex, and Morris Counties.
